The Complex Relationship Between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers: An SEO Optimized Article
The Complex Relationship Between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers
The relationship between Johnny Carson and Joan Rivers has always been a topic of fascination. Why did Johnny Carson never forgive Joan Rivers for getting her own talk show? This question can be answered through an exploration of their professional and personal dynamics, as well as the broader context of the entertainment industry during that time.
The Industry Landscape of the 1970s
Back in the 1970s, the television landscape was vastly different from what it is today. There was no cable or YouTube. Comedy and talk shows were the main avenues for public performers to gain popularity. The talk show industry was much smaller and competition was not as fierce. Other talk show hosts, like Joey Bishop and Dick Cavett, did not post a significant threat to Johnny Carson#39;s ratings because their shows didn’t attract the same number of viewers.
The Competition for Viewers
Joan Rivers and David Brenner, who were frequent guests on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show, decided to get their own shows. Johnny must have seen this as a threat to his show, but more so, it felt like a betrayal. During that era, the pie for talk show viewership was much smaller, and getting a slot on a major network was a significant advantage. When Rivers and Brenner left, they took a large portion of the potential audience with them, leaving Johnny Carson facing an even smaller pie to compete for viewership.
A Feeling of Betrayal
Rivers and Brenner were both popular comedians, and their popularity skyrocketed due to their frequent appearances on The Tonight Show. Their sudden move for their own shows was a surprise to Johnny Carson, and he took it as a definite lack of courtesy and respect. It’s often reported that Rivers didn’t discuss her move with Johnny beforehand. This was seen as highly disrespectful, given their history and the professional expectations between colleagues and collaborators.
The Role of Sexism and Misogyny
Given the historical context of the 1970s, it’s important to consider the prevalent attitudes of the time, including sexism and misogyny. Many argue that Johnny Carson’s treatment of Joan Rivers was a clear manifestation of these attitudes. In an era where women were often seen as inferior in the workplace and less capable of success, Johnny Carson felt entitled to certain privileges and respect from Rivers. This gender-based dynamic likely contributed to his inability to move past the departure of Rivers and Brenner.
Therefore, Johnny Carson’s decision not to forgive Joan Rivers for starting her own show can be attributed to multiple factors, including industry competition, personal dynamics, and the prevailing social attitudes of the time. Understanding these factors provides a more nuanced view of the complex relationship between these two influential personalities in late-night television.